99 Specialized FSR Swing arm crack - Repair/replace?

[MSYT]

Hey folks

Recently I picked up a 99 FSR ‘Enduro’. It was a ‘test bike’ for Evans back in the day. It looked pretty good but stripping it down today to give it a good clean I’ve found a few things. One being the swingarm.





It has a small crack in the chainstay on the drive side. It does appear to start in the through hole and loop around to the top. Just to check I sanded away the paint and weirdly the crack is still there



Is it worth it replacing the swing arm? Or getting it repaired if that’s possible?

I was never looking at keeping the bike but repairing what needs doing and selling it for around £150. I don’t think there’s much more value in it than that even fully serviced right?

 

[MR OX]

"They all do that sir"

 

[trailstar82]

Tis true, my brothers enduro suffered the same fate as yours. Not much you can do other than replace or wall hang it.

 

[bikeworkshop]

Recycle that aluminium.
The parts can go on to help keep another old bike on the road

 

[MSYT]

Ah yeah thought as much! I had seen they suffered cracks but it was only cheap.

I'm thinking though - mgith as well just find a Stumpjumper frame to chuck all the parts on instead

 

[novocaine]

Ah yeah thought as much! I had seen they suffered cracks but it was only cheap.

I'm thinking though - mgith as well just find a Stumpjumper frame to chuck all the parts on instead

where you located?

I might have the back end of one I'd let wander out the door (with the front end still attached) for chip money, but I'm not posting it, it's not worth the agro.

 

[MSYT]

where you located?

I might have the back end of one I'd let wander out the door (with the front end still attached) for chip money, but I'm not posting it, it's not worth the agro.

I’m in Tamworth, Staffs

 

[novocaine]

80 miles from me.

I'll be heading that way on the 12th to get to Hertfordshire, I'll have a colleague in the car but can stop at services on the toll, if you want it PM me. I'll check the swingarm condition later and let you know if it's worth it. It's a 98 so I believe the same back end.

 

[Cloverleaf]

Grind it out and get a decent welder to use a 5% silicone filler rod. I've had a number of frames done like that and never had an issue with the weld re-cracking as the higher silicone percentage adds an element of flexibility. Some people don't think aluminium can ever be re-welded but unless it's a coke can thickness frame it'll be fine.

 

[bikeworkshop]

Grind it out and get a decent welder to use a 5% silicone filler rod. I've had a number of frames done like that and never had an issue with the weld re-cracking as the higher silicone percentage adds an element of flexibility. Some people don't think aluminium can ever be re-welded but unless it's a coke can thickness frame it'll be fine.

Usually breaks on the edge of the weld where the heat treatment is affected.
I've seen loads of failed aluminium repairs do just that - the repair weld is fine, but the stress point is unchanged and the frame breaks again right by the repair.

It might be ok for fun or for show, but if @novocaine is offering a replacement, your swingarm should go in the recycling.